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  1. M&M Tours is off. Left Oliphant Sunday March 17th, pulled into the Best Western Premier Hotel Aristocrate in Quebec City around 8 and had a fabulous dinner at the in house restaurant, La Fenouillière. Off Monday morning and checked in to Complexe Hotelier Escoumins then spent 3 hours trying to find places to stay for them next 5-7 days. Rode loops for the first 3 days in a variety of conditions…good, bad & ugly mostly due to the new, wet snow even though the groomers were out. Des Bouleaux Blanc clubhouse is a great stop 40 km from town. Thursday morning rode most the day through storm conditions to the ski village Valinouët and stayed at a local rental house, Auberge du Yeti. Rode up 373 as far as we could then spent the night in a cabin at Auberge 31. A quick lunch at Piste D’or was tasty and the owner was entertaining-he sort of reminded us of Bernard Then back to truck and trailer, 93 did not disappoint-smooth, fast trails. Loaded up and drove to Forestville.
    17 points
  2. Day 2 Saturday Noticeably warmer this morning after a cold night. We headed out after breakfast in no hurry to go no particular place. We decided to follow the groomer for a bit. So from here down the TQ93 then to the 373 all of it mint. Groomer has broken up the majority of the ice and yes still some icy spots and the usual south and west facing full sun areas starting to melt through. This is end of March conditions on the 2 of March. That is this season. 373 across to TQ93 then down to orange trail through Site d’ours and over across river to Relais Buttes. Spent time talking with Gaetan there. Did you all know that the Relais closes all off season. It opens December 1 and he does Christmas parties for businesses then that carries him through until trails open. Then when trails are done so is the Relais. Interesting. Mrs Ice had the tomato and stars soup and she loved it. 2 other sleds here. So far we have seen about 15 sleds all morning. We say goodbye to Gaetan sadly I won’t be back this way (not in the plan) as it’s noticeable the difference just a little bit further south here. I am bailing back north. The good stuff is shrinking must stay north. Not un rideable at all, just not what we are looking for. Up 373 to TQ93 took the gas just to take it at La Dore’. We did not know it until Mrs Ice saw on FB we crossed paths with The Snow Traveler from FB as our radio conversations were intermingled with the open mesh. Wish i knew I would have loved to meet them. Maybe another time. Debated on next move but ran back on TQ 93 then over the famous bridge from last weeks run (Mark and Phil sr love this crossing) lol. Complete the loop passing orange trail again and its TQ93 to the river lookout. Had to take the paddle boarder to see this river. Nice break here coats off its warm but there is a cool breeze. Back up to the TQ93 and still great trails all good softening up now and real nice. Run to Lac a Jim here a late lunch. Took time to ask about summer and paddle boarding Lac jim is 10km so small by my Mrs paddle board standards. Few other sleds here but been pretty tame for a Saturday. Straight shot back to Home sweet home Girardville. All alone again private accommodations. Great relaxing day. We aint here to set no records. Going to take time to look around and see. Plenty of time for the mrs to take lots of pictures so enjoy them. Tomorrow we go on an adventure. Stay Tuned.
    17 points
  3. 16 points
  4. Someone loved her first time ever to a Pourvoire
    15 points
  5. I'm here/there, last week there were TONS more trailers @ Escoumins and trail traffic, this week very few of both, mostly locals, and they're grooming more than they're showing on iMoto, that plus the rock hard base could be good for a while if temps stay low...
    14 points
  6. Drove up from Vt to Forestville Sunday and met up with Roadrunner our friends from Maine . Left this morning on rock hard local trails towards Chenail du Nord After a quick stop we're off to the Pipmuacan Reservoir. Dropped on down to pourvoirie Itouk to say hi to Luc the place was rocking on a sunny Monday afternoon ! Next stop La Chapelle then off to Km31 for the night . 215 miles for the day Was awesome this morning to see and chat with Trailblazer in Forestville and meeting Linda sled girl here at the 31 ! Tomorrow, we'll see .
    13 points
  7. Yeti62

    Summer Plans?

    Today March 18th / 10” of Snow yesterday!!! After this last Spring Fling then the Scooter comes out!!!! 👍
    13 points
  8. 13 points
  9. mikerider

    The New Sled Thread

    A ride report on the '24 MXZ Adrenaline 600R 129. 2,000 miles. "The great experiment" Last 3 sleds were Renegade 900 Adrenaline 4 strokes. Great sleds but did not like the front end push in looser snow and they also had a somewhat stiffer ride, front and rear, especially the front ski suspension. Hoped for quicker handling with the 129 track and a chance to see how far two strokes have come. This sled also moved me up to the RMotion X suspension and newer X skis. The new G5 also added more soundproofing to the 2 strokes. Also new for '24 on the MXZ's 2 strokes was a taller ski suspension. I could easily see the front end sat up higher with the new longer travel. First, the new 600R was fairly quiet for a 2 stroke, as I believe the G5 got more sound insulation added. The engine runs like a fine Swiss watch, perfect all the time at all RPM's. Very impressive. Gas mileage wasn't too bad unless I had a stretch of fast speeds like a RR bed, then the mpg plummeted fast. But I really missed the constant 20 mpg of the 900 ACE. Especially since each sled, 2 stroke or 4, has only a 9 1/2 gallon tank. I thought I would hate the MXZ trail seat compared to the Renegade's comfort seat, but I liked it just as much. The 600R rear suspension was very plush. The ski suspension not so much, still too much feedback in the handlebars over bumps. I also felt it even pushed more than the Renegades in loose snow. I found this made me really not enjoy the sled. SkiDoo skis just don't have a deep enough keel to grab, even with 6 inch Shaper bars. The sled handled good on hard surfaced trails, but once traffic chewed up the trails, handling went south. But the handling was not as good as the Renegades (which sat lower in the front). There was a noticeable penalty with the new front end raising the front of the sled. SkiDoos have always handled very good on hard trails, almost a go cart type handling. The 600R lacked this feel. I will just mention this in passing, the 600R hand warmer controls should be enough to make you never buy a 2024 SkiDoo. They are beyond horrible. With the promise of a new front end geometry and all new redesigned ski for 2025, and good reviews by the sled media, I traded/spring checked a '25 MXZ 600R "X" 129. Its been some years since I had a higher end model. This also moves me up to rack steering and high end shocks. I am excited. mike
    12 points
  10. Mrs.Ice

    Paddle 2024

    March 15 : Baie de Shawinigan That’s it! The season has officially begun for me! It was too much of a nice day to not enjoy the water. It was quite a workout to get to the water and come back but I managed. Had to slide with my board on the thin ice. My leg went right through as I was getting closer to the end, but fortunately I’m wearing a drysuit. It was cold though. I also wear my hypnose under it. Sadly, I noticed a dead deer floating on an ice flow, as I got closer seems like it had a front broken leg.
    12 points
  11. 12 points
  12. I was seriously considering heading to the Island back to St. Croix USVI. Instead of this sled ride. Felt warm like the island this afternoon but trails will survive at least until Monday and that’s all we all looking for. Cannot have high expectations this year. Limited good trail. We aint looking for marginal. We got more than good. little peek 👀 more later
    12 points
  13. 2003 Blew piston at end of Quebec airport, solo, first sled to come by ( guy from Montreal) towed me to Quebec Inn. Wrecker company showed up with a pick up truck and gave me 2 1/2 hour ride to Maine border for $250. 2004 Blew Arctic Cat chain case right next to Yammi dealer near Montmagny. Took apart and dealer could not fix. Dealer had wife drive me and sled to Maine border ( 3 hrs.), sled labor and ride $250. (I was with Rob Lyons and his crew at the time). Best one was in Maine 1971 doing 2 day saddlebag Eustis to Jackman and return. Four Dads & 4 teens. 30 miles before Jackman couldn't get across a lake due to heavy slush. No other way to get to Jackman and not enough gas to return to Eustis. Went to nearby Holeb, middle of no where Maine widerness with a few camps and lumber mill. Mill owner had no gas but stuffed us all into his Suburban and gave us the most harrowing ride to Jackman on a 25 mile mountainous logging road, bare ice. Pulling into the hotel we got stopped by a trooper and the mill owner got bagged for OUI. My dad and I drove him back to his mill and we stayed over night at his trailer. Next day the hotel owner gathered volunteers to drive the rest of the gang to the mill and brought along gas. Cost: we paid for the mill owner's bail to get out of jail and big tips for the Jackman folks who helped us. mike
    12 points
  14. Left some fun un-done a few weeks back up in the new snow . So we return ! Forestville to points west
    11 points
  15. Did a similar run out of Complexe Hotelier Escoumins starting Wednesday after an 11 hour drive on Tuesday. Ran up to Le Chapelle on 3 and then 93 and back on 350. Thursday up to Forestville on 3 with a heavy wet snow. Got colder and really started to snow later in the afternoon coming back on 330. In the higher elevations it felt like a new foot had fallen on top of 3 feet on the ground. Was a lot of fun bounding through the fresh powder, not very often you get to do that anymore. Then Friday under some bright blue sky (finally) and chilly, headed back toward La Chapelle in the reverse direction over 350 and breaking some trail up in the higher elevations. Looped around to Auberge du km 31 for lunch (great spot) and headed back on mostly groomed trails before sled blew up about 50 miles from Les Escoumins. Wouldn't be a trip without a little bit of towing. Anyway great trip to an otherwise pretty bad season. Wish I took more photos but was too busy riding... and nobody swimming in the pool at the motel.
    11 points
  16. iceman

    Summer Plans?

    Considering the winter for most of the places we go and stay at was bad for them financially as well. Maybe consider a vacation in Quebec this summer. I know alot of QR’s do visit in other seasons. But just putting it out there if you never been when there’s no snow give it a try. Lots of stuff to explore.
    11 points
  17. smclelan

    Summer Plans?

    Great place to ride, already thinking of routes.
    11 points
  18. Day 4 , went out of Forestville, east on Tq3 about a mile then all local orange trails . Definitely keeping sleds cool was a challenge after it being 50° ish yesterday and below freezing today . Awesome day on the trails for sure 👌! Forecast for the weekend looks promising, 6+ inches hopefully.. but we're outta here for now on the way back to Vermont . Cheers
    11 points
  19. Today had a little of a delay start leaving Km31 , had a stud vs aluminum heat exchanger issue with one of the team members .. all good with some fancy epoxy goop . Did a few work-arounds to skip the 93 on the way to the Escoumins club house, we popped out by De l'Or-Piste on the Pelchat trail . Smooth sailing all the way . Conditions from mashed potatoes to skating rink . Ran some local trails and 330/ TQ3 into Forestville for the night. Coverage starting to disappear here n there... but 3 days near 50°f will do that
    11 points
  20. Found some big changes at pourvoirie Pipmuacan .. all new huge building replacing the old . Top picture of what was there last year and under today . Didn't see any signs of if/when it'll be reopened ?
    11 points
  21. Nice Place Team Yeti was also there 4 days ago!!!!!! Carry on Team Vermont!!!!!👍
    10 points
  22. WOW! 221K...OMG...Congrats.... Great suggestions as we have done it a few times......Tooling around the Gaspesie, on the Road King, at that time, on a Sunday morning, when traveling through St Flavie (Mont-Joli) we came upon mass being hosted by Église catholique Sainte-Flavie, outdoors on the banks of the St Lawrence. It was a pleasant surprise so we stopped & asked the man above, in part, to provide us safe travels. Thankfully he did. That trip anyway..ha ha. Since that time, I think the ugly looking guy, whose name starts with a "D", that hangs out below in the warmer grounds have intercepted my requests & thanks to the man above : ) Maybe some of you have also dealt with the "D". The photos of the rock/ Perce was taken from our room at Hôtel la Normandie. The hotel is closed during the winter months but it is a favorite of ours on our summer jaunts. The on premise restaurant is exceptionally good. Thanks to each of you. Stay safe, all. Paddy O
    10 points
  23. smclelan

    Quick Cote Nord Tour

    I am a little slow getting the ride report out of our Feb 27 trip. Our original plan was to trailer from Nova Scotia to Pointe a la Croix Feb 27, then snowmobile to Matane catching the 2pm boat Feb 28. However with mild weather and rain forecast on the 28th, we trailered directly to Matane the 27th. Feb 28 Got up from the Quality Inn and on the 8am boat to Baie Comeau. Off loaded, it was above 0 but still lo rain. We took the orange trail behind the ski hill going East. What an amazing scenic trail. It ends on the TQ3 at the warming shack between BC and Godbout. Stopped at the shack and put a fire on, it was a heavy mist at this point. No one was wet but we were in no rush either. From there we went to the Travelodge for the night in BC and supper at 3 Barils, Great food. Feb 29 Flash freeze overnight, what a jack pot! Handle bars controls all frozen solid! Took off scratcher down. Groomers were out in a few sections to help break up the hard crust. Good trails all the way to Sacre Couer and stay at the Coronet. Mar 1 Out from the Coronet and up the TQ93, it was the best I have ever seen it right to where you meet the first orange trail. From there to the Chappel was good but not as good as the 93. Lunch and off, backtracked on the TQ93 to the orange trail and turned east. One short plowed section by Domaine L or paste but great running to were the 330 meets the TQ3 above portneuf sur mer. Right where the 330 ends we did a quick off trail to the other piece of the TQ3 avoiding running to the coast. Into the Econolodge in Forestville for the night. Mar 2 Original plan scrapped over drinks the night before, no ride to Sept Iles. Boys wanted to go back to Mt Valin. Back we go the way we came back to to a little more riding on the mountain. Late lunch at the Chappel then most of the way back the 93 to the Debut of the 330. Traveled east on it, another great trail. Stayed the second night in Forestville. Mar 3 Sunny warm day, took our riding back to Baie Comeau for the afternoon ferry. We were starting to see some patches starting to bare up. It was easy to tell the end was near. Loaded on the 5:00pm boat and back to Matane and the truck. A few pictures to share. http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2024_03/pro-HGnsSJNa.thumb.jpeg.eeaf7e98597fad013548a2716a4f412b.jpeg http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2024_03/pro-8Lj004g9.thumb.jpeg.bb93e473115bcf665292c6c3e3fb50f7.jpeg http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2024_03/pro-PUNrRBgs.thumb.jpeg.492cb75c76202fd788253c7d812047dc.jpeg http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2024_03/pro-am64lTui.thumb.jpeg.0686c4fdbad58f721adcb860d950e046.jpeg http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2024_03/pro-P5OxEgEg.thumb.jpeg.1a055f1007c844814ec4d53e7e0cb0aa.jpeg http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2024_03/pro-QB6mQwDG.thumb.jpeg.6548b33999eb626504f261536f953455.jpeg http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2024_03/pro-8Y4kjjSp.thumb.jpeg.de324d632b2f8c10b6d5f3fd8cbaefb1.jpeg
    10 points
  24. Fuse6

    24 season

    We’ve done the Cote Nord this week leaving Hotel Pelchat in Les Escoumins Sunday morning. Baie Comeau Sunday night, Sept-iles Monday night , back to Baie Comeau Tuesday night. Trails have been excellent for the most part. Godbout to Sept-iles going out and then back the next day we’re a F1 slot car course. Groomed both directions and almost zero traffic. Days you dream of for riding conditions. Sunday night we were the only sledder group at La Manoir in BC, Tuesday night few more sledders. We did the big loop north of BC both days and it was excellent for snow cover and grooming. Arrived in Forestville for Wednesday night. Very light rain Wednesday during the day, almost unmeasurable. During the night it rained more. Today Thursday morning it was cold and trails were hard as rock. We did the 200 km loop north of Forestville. More snow north of Forestville than anywhere else have seen. 8 sleds in our group, 5 with scratchers, 3 without. No problem running with scratchers, guys without had some cooling issues. One bush fix got a 1200 back to the hotel. The loop north of Forestville is a real gem, scenic. Was concerned because grooming map showed not groomed for several days. So little traffic run up there conditions were perfect, not a bump. Seems like half million people in Mont Valin and very few doing Cote Nord. This trip from Feb. 25 until tomorrow finishing up back in Les Escoumins has been a 9/10 for conditions.
    10 points
  25. Yeti62

    The New Sled Thread

    In Forestville today March 21st on my 2024 Gade 900R XRS Smarht Shocks 4th trip to Quebec over 3000 Miles loving every minute of this Sled!!
    9 points
  26. Triggerhappy

    Summer Plans?

    I plan on spending quite a bit of time in Canada this summer but in Ontario on the St. Lawrence. Hopefully the weather is better this summer than last.
    9 points
  27. revct1

    FCMQ pays up

    Very, very nice. A monster of a lift. We haven't been in that area in awhile but we may have to make a trip there next season to see the bridge. I'm hoping the Federation has some permanent rights to the approaches for the bridge. Everybody out there, respect the trails. Please. Jack & Sandi
    9 points
  28. quebec bob

    Summer Plans?

    Canada is a great place to ride a bike… the scenery is incredible…221 is impressive… no denying the Honda Wing has a bullet proof engine… I’ve owned countless bikes over the years…never had a bad brand… but I’ve never got near that mileage …65k on a Honda 750 in the eighties… that’s when I knew they were good… currently on a limited… have a great summer…
    9 points
  29. 9 points
  30. Day 4 Monday Great night as usual with the gang here at Pouvorie La Dore. Gonna get up here this summer for a weekend for sure. Said goodbye to our new friends. They are very excited as soon they will get their one month break in April before starting season in May. Been a busy winter with advertising on I motoneige. Was a good move. Little colder thus morning making it comfortable in the gear. Seeing some grooming near restaurant du chef. Out to TQ93 and back to orange to Chef. Sweet grooming here. White asphalt. Gas at chef for the last time this season. Continue on still beautiful here groomed right to bridge on TQ93. Up TQ93 to 373. Getting used up in spots for sure. Seeing more and more ground less snow. Still good bit of nice trail. After one road crossing the Mrs is shooting wicked snow from right ski. We stop and it’s the curse of Bullwinkle. Rock jammed in snow tracker. We get sled tipped up, got the Mrs holding it while I try to extract the rock, rubber mallet and leatherman tool get er done. 373 across to TQ93. Up to Girardville still cooler today have seen no sleds. Just at turn for Girardville one sled. Ruins our no sled day. We decided to go see if relais Lac des Coudes was open for lunch but got nothing more than a small bonus ride up and back. Closed on Monday. 2pm at truck we decide we will sleep at home tonight, so it shall be. Great few days on great trails. Not as nice trail as last week here but very nice. So this year Caro saw three regions different. Escoumins in January, February saw her in RDL first time there and then to the Honey hole in LSJ and the Oasis in La Dore. Solid rider and gaining experience each day. She learned how to get rock out of Snow tracker. And put her first middle rider in the bushes. Sweet ride back to Home. Great time. Dry road.
    9 points
  31. Have you ever tasted a Red Champagne in Saguenay Lac St-Jean? It’s a locally made soda. It’s really good and reminded me of strawberry 🍓 soda. Anyway, as I was asking what it was like, a man told me this is what you want to drink when you’re hungover! Always Good to know 😂
    9 points
  32. Day 1 Friday Loaded up and trucked out. Debated long and hard and it was tough to choose. I had rooms lined up in Matane, but it’s game over there. Cancelled. Had Escoumins too it was there or since we already been there this year, I considered going long to Forrestville. Then a run to Baie Comeau is easier for the Mrs. We aint riding a week. This is 3 days and done. I felt Cote Nord was very safe play. But after seeing last week up here decided to pull the trigger and head right back to the “honey hole” Ugly from Lac Bouchette right to St Felicien. The road is closer to the Lake so for sure less snow but the rain did serious damage to already non existent base of nothing. It rained quite a bit up here more than i thought. Oh well let’s see what it looks like in Girardville when we get there. Surprised to find it not bare everywhere. Lots of ice in parking lot. Seeing sleds all along from Normandin and to Albanel. Touchdown at just before 2pm. Get in room drop the iron and suit up. Out on icy but not bad at all trails. Little more traffic and warmer temps its gonna loosen up nicely. Up to check middle orange dowm as it shows groomed after rain storms. It does not disappoint. Scratchers down not even trying without them. Quick 40 miles and back in. All alone we are here. Snohorse the mrs is loving the place. I think i will keep her. Chez Ben for some grub and all is good.
    9 points
  33. PLAYHARD

    The New Sled Thread

    I'm truly deplorable for not getting my act together enough to post live from up there, or since driving back down in Sunday's butt-puckery road conditions. I almost made a crumple-zone out of a Honda, between my Nav being pushed down one of the big Charlevoix hills toward the salt/plow truck by the 4-place trailer filled with 5 old-school Yammis!
    8 points
  34. I'm here/there (sorry for not posting detail!), last week there were TONS more trailers @ Escoumins and trail traffic, this week very few of both, mostly locals, and they're grooming more than they're showing on iMoto, that plus the rock hard base could be good for a while if temps stay low!
    8 points
  35. iceman

    FCMQ pays up

    Coming along….
    8 points
  36. Locked and Loaded trucking today wirh Mrs. Ice. Promised I would find her some good trails….so let the games begin.
    8 points
  37. Day 2 .. Ran northwest of the Pipmuacan today on mostly local trails n such . Really warm this morning (50°f) swapping to some snow this evening back here at Km31 . 220 miles for today
    8 points
  38. 8 points
  39. iceman

    Head for the Roquemont

    Club motoneige St Raymond surfacer jusr left Roquemont is headed for l’Etape and back to Roquemont. just in case anyone is nearby.
    7 points
  40. 2' of fresh on the magnificent 330?...
    7 points
  41. "Better late than never…" 100%! Thanks for sharing! (Except for a little ptsd from the shot with the snow up to the front bumper, but I should be OK after a while!)
    7 points
  42. That is why you got tbe good deal. its a fixer upper
    7 points
  43. 7 points
  44. Day 3 Sunday Decided to shake things up today as we headed to the relais Lac des Coudre just north of Girardville for breakfast. It was great. Today we are going to Pouvorie La Dore. But as usual in a roundabout way. Decided to fill in the bingo a bit with center orange and west side orange then TQ93 back towards La Dore. Some traffic but light. Saw 17 sleds all day. Trails holding up nice in spots but by late afternoon very soft and the big sun taking its toll. With the exception of Friday when we got here and trails were concrete and very icy. I have had the Mrs. leading and she is doing fantastic. I want her to read the trail adjust for conditions and navigate. She is good. I am having her check signs at intersections and tell me which way we want to go. Then when we return through an intersection from another direction i ask her if she has been here before if she doesn’t recognize it straight off. All in all great experiences. Not to mention her pictures. Today we wind our way to La Dore stop for gas and supplies and head toward our destination on TQ93 Getting close to the end between La Dore and intersection with orange trail to resto du chef on TQ93 powerlines. Lots of mud and rocks here. TQ93 still nice up to entrance to Pouvorie. We are minding our business heading in this feeder to Pouvorie. Its small in spots and tight. Around corner comes this guy riding like he is all alone. Right on a corner. Right turn for Caro left for him. She is as far right as possible like always. He is right up the middle. He was more scared than her. He missed her. I immediately radio, watch out he is surely not alone. Here comes the girlfriend following. She aint got the same skills. I see her eyes from behind Caro. Big saucers. She swerves from middle to the right, ski goes off on corner and she pins the gas and hits the tree. Bang stuck there. Luckily it was only minor damage no one hurt. Caro has stopped around corner and is asking me if she did anything wrong. I told her absolutely not. You cannot ride the middle like they did and luckily she hit tree instead of you. Almost taken out by nonsense. Innocent victim. But that is every trail everywhere. I help the guy pull her out some plastic broken, but no mechanical issues. He says merci. Yeah ok. 👍 Onward to Pouvorie it’s a bit in her head now as she still is questioning if she did something wrong. Told her repeatedly you did nothing wrong. You were on your side and they were not. Chalk it up as first one you ran into the sticks. It happens. Arrive at the Oasis and tabernac still alot of sleds here at 4pm. Say hello to Stephane and gang, busy with the crowd. We head to chalet and have happy hour on the deck outside. Real nice. We have company for dinner 6 locals from their camps nearby are here too. Stephane gave us some homemade dry sausage wow really good. Caro tried the dried Bear meat sliced right from hind quarter but was not for her. Thats ok more for me. After pine liquor shooters then back to chalet where we take time to sit outside and just admire the sky. Unbelievable the stars it’s totally clear and beautiful. Another successful day.
    7 points
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